Multifaceted Integration of Central and Eastern Europe as Part of the Three Seas Initiative and the B-9 Group

Abstract

The countries of Central and Eastern Europe have been strengthening cooperation in their region for several years. These countries share a fear of Russian policy, as well as a desire for energy independence. They also want to gain greater influence in the structures of the EU and NATO. Since 2015, the Three Seas Initiative (associating countries lying between the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Seas) and the Bucharest Nine (associating the countries of NATO’s eastern flank) have been operating. These structures have gained significant importance after Russia launched its aggression against Ukraine, as their member states have provided significant assistance to Ukraine and facilitated its provision by the US. In the near future, the Three Seas Initiative and the Bucharest Nine may become key structures of European security as well as strengthen economic integration in the region.